Mission Cambodia

With growth of 6.3%, Cambodia's economic situation has gradually been improving since the end of the civil war. But the AIDS endemic is widespread and the government has made it a public health priority. The HIV prevalence rate in Cambodia (2%) is the highest in the region. International tourism, internal migration, poverty, human trafficking and prostitution are all factors propagating HIV/AIDS in the country.

Priority to HIV

Phnom Penh

Activities: MdM's project is aimed at reducing the transmission of STIs/HIV and caring for infected patients, offering medical and welfare support to destitute patients suffering from HIV, raising the population's awareness and training medical staff.
In 2005 - 2006, the project focused on:

• specialist consultations for the treatment of patients suffering from AIDS (OIs and ARVs);
• training doctors (ARVs and OIs);
• informing patients about the illness and the available treatment and services;
• hospital treatment of opportunistic infections;
• developing a continuum of care, assistance and support networks for people living with HIV/AIDS;
• supporting Cambodian NGOs set up by people who are HIV-positive.

The aim of treating opportunistic infections and providing access to ARVs is to reduce the morbidity and mortality rates linked to AIDS, and thus to provide patients with a better quality of life. That is, an active social life for a longer time, fighting against exclusion, and reducing the economic impact (on family and society) of the illness.

Outlook:
Between now and December 2007, 2,000 patients will be regularly monitored in the consultation centre. 521 of them will receive ARVs. A joint venture with Pharmaciens Sans Frontières should enable us to provide 450 additional people with access to ARVs.

july 2006